NGARE NDARE FOREST TRUST
| Conservancy Facts |
| Location |
Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve, Buura and Laikipia North Districts |
| Postal address |
c/o Northern Rangelands Trust, Private Bag, Isiolo |
| Ethnicity |
Meru and Laikipiak Maasai |
| Population |
8,000 people |
| Land ownership |
Government gazetted land under the Kenya Forest Service with a co-management agreement for use and access with the Ngare Ndare Forest Trust |
| Core conservation area |
Forest Reserve |
| Main livelihood |
Livestock-keeping and Tourism |
| Key wildlife species |
Elephant, black rhino, buffalo |
| Year of registration |
2000 |
| Staff employed from the community |
17 |
| Annual Operating Budget |
$55,000 |
Background
The Ngare Ndare Forest Trust encompasses the indigenous Ngare Ndare Forest on the northern foothills of Mount Kenya. The Trust forms the southern boundary of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and acts as a critical wildlife corridor between the Mount Kenya and Laikipia-Samburu ecosystems.
Endangered Species Conservation
The forest has a rich diversity of fauna and flora. Elephants use the forest as a corridor to migrate between Mount Kenya and the rangelands to the north across Samburu and Laikipia. The forest is a haven for a variety of monkeys, birds and butterflies. There are also a number of black rhino that are under surveillance by the Lewa security team. Daily scout patrols are conducted in order to monitor wildlife and to address threats to the animals, such as poaching or the theft of livestock.
Business Development
While there are no formal tourism operations within the forest, there is a steady stream of day and overnight camping visitors at two campsites that have been well-managed over the years. There a number of popular walking, hiking and mountain biking trails within the forest, and local guides accompany visitors throughout their stay. A 25-foot high game-viewing platform gives visitors an impressive look over a natural swamp where elephants and buffalo are often found drinking. Inhabitants also gain revenue through marketing local products within and outside the region, such as honey.
The Future of the Ngare Ndare Forest Trust
- Continue the development of eco-tourism infrastructures and enterprises, such as marketing the campsites to neighbouring communities and potential investors;
- Continue to fund the conservancy’s operations, such as security patrols
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